Our Connection to Dzaleka Refugee Camp

JP Centre Yoga first connected with Donatien Fundi in Fall of 2022 through the outreach work we do in the context of our BIPOC Fellowship Fund. After Donatien discovered the healing power of yoga, he managed against all odds to train as a yoga teacher and started volunteering his time teaching adult and kids classes within the refugee camp. Donatien then received a scholarship to attend our online teacher training and we have been working closely ever since to develop and expand the service of yoga within the camp. Together we began developing teacher training curriculum, providing classes, and improving environmental conditions to support a yoga practice within the camp.

From Boston to Malawi

Since 2023, Co-Founder of JP Centre Yoga, Daniel Max, voluntarily teaches 2 online classes a week to aspiring teachers within the camp. In August of 2025, Daniel and yoga and mindfulness teacher Abraham Dejene traveled to Malawi to teach an in-person training in the camp. Our next on-site training with Daniel and Abe runs in February 2026.

What We Have Funded So Far

Our first teacher training, graduating 14 yoga teachers, all actively teaching in Dzaleka Refugee Camp
The initial buildout of a dedicated yoga studio.
Acquisition of yoga props for the space, including mats, blocks, straps, and knee cushions.
An ongoing monthly teaching salary for each teacher and studio staff member.
An ongoing weekly meal for all teachers and studio staff members during their team meeting.
Twice-daily meals for yoga teacher trainees during training, which had a profound impact given the food insecurity in the camp.
With the interest of Yoga Alliance, we secured a small grant to help build the yoga studio.

What We Have Left to Fund

Improved Facilities: $8000 We are prioritizing completion of the studio’s foundations:

- First $6000 funds a proper drainage system, 2 outdoor toilets, security fence, as well as roof instillation and sealing the floors to make the space fully functional and weather-safe.
- Next $2000 helps us meet our 2026 goal to add two smaller additional rooms: One mental health counseling and an office equipped with computers for professional training purposes.
Education: $2000 Our next in-person training takes place in February. Teachers cover their own travel and volunteer their time, so all funds raised go directly toward training expenses such as two meals for all participants on training days, accommodations and transportation within the camp for visiting teachers, camp fees, studio gear and training materials.

About Dzaleka Refugee Camp

Dzaleka was built in 1994 to house thousands of people from predominantly Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo who were escaping violence in the homeland. The camp was originally designed to accommodate up to 12,000 refugees and is currently (as of September 2025) struggling to house more than 58,000 refugees.

The Importance of Yoga for Refugees

While yoga offers numerous benefits for people of all backgrounds, it holds a particular significance for refugees. For those who have experienced displacement, trauma, poverty, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment, yoga can serve as a transformative tool for healing, empowerment, and resilience.

Physical and Mental Well-Being: Refugees often face physical and mental health challenges resulting from their traumatic experiences and difficult living conditions. Yoga can play a crucial role in addressing these issues. The practice provides an opportunity for refugees to release tension, improve flexibility, and gain strength. The physical movement can assist in restoring a sense of control over their bodies and enhance overall well-being. Moreover, yoga offers numerous mental health benefits. By connecting breath with movement, it encourages mindfulness and helps individuals reconnect with their bodies. For refugees who have experienced a loss of agency and a disconnection from their identity, this can be profoundly empowering. Yoga promotes self-awareness, self-acceptance, and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cultivating Community and Connection: Refugees often arrive in a foreign land feeling isolated and disconnected from their community and support systems. Yoga provides a platform for building supportive and inclusive communities. Whether practiced in dedicated yoga classes or as part of a larger refugee community, it creates a space where individuals can connect, share their experiences, and inspire one another. Yoga classes specifically tailored for refugees foster camaraderie, as participants can empathize with one another's unique challenges and triumphs. The support and understanding gained from this shared experience can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and contribute to a sense of belonging.

Mindfulness and Emotional Resilience: The practice of yoga emphasizes mindfulness, which involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. This skill is especially crucial for refugees, as it enables them to process their past experiences while cultivating resilience to face future challenges. Regular practice can help refugees develop emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty. Through yoga, refugees can learn techniques to ground themselves during moments of anxiety or distress. The breathwork and meditation components provide tools for managing emotions and promoting inner peace. By integrating mindfulness into everyday life, refugees can better navigate the complexities of their circumstances, reduce anxiety, and make informed decisions.

Empowerment and Self-Expression: One of the most profound impacts of yoga on refugees is the restoration of choice and individual agency. Having control over one's body, breath, and practice allows refugees to regain a sense of autonomy that might have been stripped away during their displacement. This empowerment can extend beyond the yoga mat and influence other aspects of their lives. Moreover, yoga encourages self-expression and self-acceptance. Refugees often face cultural, language, and social barriers, which can hinder their ability to communicate their needs and express their identities. In a yoga practice, individuals are encouraged to listen to their own bodies, honor their limits, and embrace their uniqueness. This self-compassion and acceptance foster resilience, confidence, and a renewed ability to show up authentically.

Yoga in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi

By JP Centre Yoga

Yoga in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi

Yoga Studio Buildout and Ongoing Professional Teacher Training